The strange thing is that we slowed it down and in doing so we slowly ripped away their will. It reminded me of what we did to the celtics last year in game 7. Our cuts to the basket were sharp and our screens were effective. It didn't hurt that we shot so well but maybe we shot well because we took our time and didn't rush things.

It was a totally different team playing at a different pace. It actually provided me with hope for the rest of the season and playoffs.

Eindar

04-12-2006, 05:05 AM

I don't think anyone minds "slow it down" ball, and this team is well-suited to that style of play. What people mind is the "get it to JO and start running back on defense" style we have played in the past. As long as there is good ball movement, cuts to the basket, and more importantly, passers hitting the cutter fairly often, this will be a successful, fun team to watch. The question is, will that happen regularly?

PS: The cutters and ball movement have always been a part of the offense. The problem in past seasons is that JO and Ron virtually NEVER hit the guy cutting towards the basket for a layup. Perhaps the Euro influence of Peja and Sarunas are rubbing off on the other guys. Perhaps Sarunas got the 2nd unit to run the offense unselfishly and they wiped the floor with the starters, who knows?

BillS

04-12-2006, 08:01 AM

Perhaps the outside shooters hit a few shots so that 3 defenders couldn't collapse and choke the post player's passing lanes?

Putnam

04-12-2006, 08:50 AM

I don't think anyone minds "slow it down" ball, and this team is well-suited to that style of play.

No, a good half-court offense is a pleasure to watch. Next year, with new players and whoever the coach is, I would still expect a lot of halfcourt basketball.

What I do mind is knowing that the Pacers are incapable of pushing the ball on the fast break. They cannot run even when they have the opportunity.

When was the last time the Pacers scored more fastbreak points than the other team?

MagicRat

04-12-2006, 08:54 AM

When was the last time the Pacers scored more fastbreak points than the other team?

Monday?

Major Cold

04-12-2006, 11:29 AM

in order to win a champioship you have to have a balance attack on both ends

have a low post presence to spread the defense in half court (Duncan, Shaq, Sheed)

Have a player that can push the ball (Parker, Wade, Billups)

HAve players that can rotate and collapse effectively (Tay, Wallaces, Rip)

Have big men that can get back and stop transition offenses (Tay, Haslem)

Pistons have all of that and that is why they are the favorites to win it all.

Jay@Section12

04-12-2006, 05:08 PM

I don't think anyone minds "slow it down" ball, and this team is well-suited to that style of play.

Maybe true. But they should still try to run and score easy baskets at every opportunity.